Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe (Rich, Cheesy & Comforting)

Few dishes say comfort quite like homemade lasagna. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, this classic recipe is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. Serve it with a crisp Caesar Salad, warm Homemade Italian Bread, or a comforting bowl of Italian wedding soup for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Easy to make ahead and full of timeless flavor, this lasagna is a dependable favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

Recipe Card

Servings: 8 Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce (or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For Assembly:

• 9 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package directions or use oven-ready)

• Extra mozzarella for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, and parsley. Mix until well blended.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

   • Add a layer of noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, then sauce.

   • Repeat layers (noodles → ricotta → sauce) until you run out, ending with sauce on top.

   • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top.

4. Bake: Cover with foil (lightly sprayed to prevent sticking) and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

5. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set beautifully!

Tips for the Best Lasagna

• Make it ahead! Lasagna tastes even better the next day — perfect for prepping ahead of time.

• For extra flavor, use a mix of beef and Italian sausage in your sauce.

• Add a layer of spinach or roasted vegetables for a healthy twist.

• Let the lasagna rest before serving — this helps it slice cleanly.

• Freeze leftovers in individual portions for an easy reheat meal later.

Final Thoughts

This classic lasagna recipe is the definition of comfort food — rich, cheesy, and layered with love. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, no matter the occasion. Serve it with a side salad, warm garlic bread, and maybe a glass of red wine for the perfect Italian-inspired dinner.

FAQ

Q: Should I use no-boil or regular lasagna noodles?

Both work well. No-boil noodles save time, while regular noodles give a more traditional texture.

Q: How do I keep lasagna from getting watery?

Drain excess grease from the meat, simmer the sauce to thicken, and let the lasagna rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Q: Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely — assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: What cheese blend is best?

Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan create the perfect creamy, melty combination.

Q: Can I freeze homemade lasagna?

Yes — freeze baked or unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.